Electric temperature-controlling device



(No Model.) 3 sheets-sheet 1.

S. A. EKEHORN. ELECTRIC TEMPERATURE GONTROLLING DEVICE. No. 543,929. Patented Aug. 6, 1895.

v(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 2,

S. A. EKEHORN. y ELECTRIC TEMPERATURE CONTROLLING DEVICE.

Gyn. 543,929. Patented Aug. 6, 18.95.

m/M y MQW (No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 3.

- S. A. BKEHORN. ELECTRIC TEMPERATURE CONTRCLLING DEVICE.

Patented Aug. 6, 1895.

vez? 1.5/767/0777,y @WMM-@ UNTTED STATES PATENT @Tric-a.,

SVEN A. EKEHORN, OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN.

ELECTRIC TEM PERATU RE-CONTROLLING DEVICE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 543,929, dated August 6, 1 895. Application filed May 1,1894. serial no. 509,683. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Beit known that I, SVEN A. EKEHORN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Milwaukee, in the county of Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Electric Temperature-Controlling Devices, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in electric temperature-controlling devices for buildings or other inclosures, and of the class in which a thermostat in the chamber wherein the temperature is to be regulated controls the circuit containing an electric motor to regulate a valve or damper mechanism, which governs'the supply of the heating medium to the chamber, the automatic working of the thermostat serving to actuate the motor to open and close the Valve or damper and thus maintain the air in the chamber at the desired temperature.

My object is to provide a device of the class delined, of an improved construction for use, more especially, though I do not intend this in any sense as a limitation,in connection with a certain hot-air heating system iu which the air-supply pipe leading tothe chamber communicates with both a hot-air and a cool-air supply, the motor operating` to turn valves or dampers between the air-pipe and both the said supplies simultaneously, whereby the air flowing through the pipe to the chamber may be properly tempered without varying its volume. I

In the drawings, Figure l is a bottom plan view of my improved electric valve or damper turning mechanism; Fig. 2, a view partly in elevation and partly in section on line 2 of Fig. l, showing the mechanism connected to a damper-stem; Fig. 3, a thermostat of the construction I prefer to employ; and Fig. 4, a broken section of a building provided with my improvements, the latter being shown partly in elevation and partly bydiagram.

A represents a thermostatic device upon a support or board t, which sustains the parts i and permits them. to be fastened in any desired position upon the Wall of the chamber in which the heat is to be regulated. The thermostatic bar A is of helical shape, as shown, consisting preferably of a convoluted strip s' of zinc and a strip s of steel, the two strips'being fastened together by rivets s2 of iron. At its end s3 the bar A is fastened by means ot a screw-clamp s4 to the board t in a manner to leave it free to vibrate under eX- pansion and contraction toward its opposite end.

Pivotally mounted upon a pin or bindingpost r is a needle o", pivotally connected at its short arm r2 to the free end of the thermostatic bar, and extending from the short arm r2 of the needle is a spring r3, fastened at its opposite end to a pin r4 on the board t. The long arm r5of the needle wipes across tive thermostat-contacts q, q', q2, g3, and Q4, respectively, and all insulated from eacll other. At normal temperature-say o Fahrenheit-the thermostate bar and needle are in the position shown in the drawings, wherein the long arm T5 of the needle engages the contact q2. The contact q2 is therefore the normal-temperature contacts, the contacts q q being lowtemperature contacts and the contacts g3 g4 high-temperature contacts. Rise of the temperature in the chamber `will cause the thermostat A to vibrate in the direction of swinging the needle 'r' against the resistance of the spring r3 to the contact g3, and still further rise of temperature will cause the needle to be swung to the contact g4. When the telnperature falls below 70O the thermostat moves with the spring rs and swings the needle to the contact q', or if the fall of temperature exceeds a certain number of degrees the needle will be swung to the contact q. On the board t is a binding-post p, connected by a wire, as indicated at with the needle-pivot?. Also upon the board t are live binding-posts o o 02 o3 o, connected, respectively, as indicated, With the respective contacts q, q', q2, g3, and Q4.

B is a damper-turning mechanism mounted upon a base B. On the base B is a bindingpost or terminal p', connected by means of a Wire oc with the binding-posti@ of the thermostat. Also upon the base B are live binding-postsv n, fn', n2, n3, and n4, connected, respectively, and by separate wires y y y2 yg g4 with the respective binding-posts o o o2- o3 o4 of the thermostat. In practice the Wires y, y', y2, y?, and g4 may be bunched together and insulated from eachother in a cable Y, asindicated in Fig. 4.

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C is a frame or lever provided at one end with a hub C and presenting a segmental rack C2, describing an arc of a circle, of which the hubC is the center. The hub C is fixed upon a shaft C3, journaled in a bracket B3 on the under side of the base B. i

D is an electric motor secured upon the base. D is the shaft of the motor carrying a commutator D2, and D?l DIl are the brushes. One field-magnet of the motor is connected by a wire x2 to a binding-post or terminal p2, and the other held-magnet is connected by a wire :c3 with a binding-post p3.

Journaled upon the base is a shaft E, provided with a worm E', engaging the teeth of the rack C2 and carrying a gear-wheel E2, which engages a pinion D5 on the motor-shaft D. On the frame O are two contact-plates C4 and C5, insulated from the frame C and from each other. The contact-plates extend to equal distances on opposite sides of the central point of the rack and theirv outer edges describe arcs parallel with the arc of the rack.

On the frame C at opposite sides ot' its center are electromagnets F and F. The magnet F is connected at one of its poles by means of a wire m with the contact-plate C4, and the other pole of the magnet F is connected by means of a wire m with a bindingpost m2 near the hub C. One pole of the magnet F is connected by means ot' a wire Z with the contact-plate C5, and the other pole ot' the magnet F is connected by means of a wire Z with a binding-post Z2 near the hub C. The binding-post m2 is connected by means of a wire m3 with the brush DLl of the motor, and the binding-post Z2 is connected by means of a wire Z3 with the brush D3 of the motor.

On the frame C, near its free side and mid-v way between the ends of the rack, and therefore midway between the magnets F F', is a contact-projection Zc,t`ro1n which an insulated wire Ze extends across the surface of the frame to a point near the hub, thence through the frame and to the binding-post p3. i Fastened at one end to the bindingpost m2 is a springarm t', which extends past the poles of the magnet F, and at its free end carries a setscrew, affording a contact-point i.. Between its ends the spring t' carries the armature t2 of the electromagnet F, and the tendency ofthe spring is to press the contact-point t" against the contact-projection 7o. Fastened at one end to the binding'post Z2 is a spring 71, eX- tending across the poles of the magnet F', and provided at its free end with a set-screw, affording a contact-point h. Between its ends the spring h carries the armature h2 of the electromagnet F, and the tendency ofthe spring 7L is to press the contact-point h against the contact-projection 7c. Normally the armatures 2 Zi2 are close to but out of contact withthe electromagnets F F', as shown, owing to thenormally cle-energized condition of the latter.

Adjacent to the path of the rack C2 are binding-posts or terminals g, g', g2, g3, and g4,

connected, respectively, by wires with the binding-posts nyu/,912, n3, and n". The bind ing-posts g, g', g2, g3, and g`l are located a distance apart slightly exceeding the length et' the contact-plates C4 C5, and are each provided with a flexible brush g5, which, in the movement ot the frame C, as hereinafter described, are engaged by the contact-plates C Cithe said brushes being at all-limes out ot' the path of the rack C2.

The frame (l and parts carried thereby form an electromagmetio-contact device. p

It is to be understood, ot' course, that all the Various binding-posts, wires, and contactsurfaces are insulated from each other. The device is suitably connected at the bindingposts or terminals p p2 into circuit by means of wires f: with an electric generator Z.' The frame or lever C and parts carried thereby form an electromagnet contact device in a normally-open generator-circuit.

The operation is as follows: In the position illustrated in the drawings, the thermostatic needle, under the influence of normal tem-- peratu re, is at the contact q2, whereby through the binding-post 02, wire connection rfZ with the binding-post n2, and disengagement ol' the brush g5 from either contact-plate C C, the circuit is broken and the parts are at rest. Under a rise ot' temperature in the room where the thermostat is located the needle 7" will be moved to the contact qi. The current from the generator through the terminals p and wire as to the binding-post p, thence through the needle 7", contact qi", binding-post o3, and bindingposts n3 gi", through the brush g5 on the latter to the contact-plate C4. 1t excites the magnet F, causing it to attract the armature t2 and release the point vZ from the contact projection 7c.. From the magnet F the current passes from the bind ing-post m2 through the wire 'm3 tothe brush Dito the commutator D2, excites the arma ture and goes thence through the brush 1), wire Z3, binding-post Z2, spring ZL, contact Zr, and wire Za to the bindi11g-post1r,and thence through the eld of the motor to binding-post p2 and the generator. The armature of the motor is thus caused to be revolved in one certain direction with the shaft D', and through the latter revolve the shaft E and its worm to swing the frame C in the direction away from the binding-post g, whereby the contact-plate C4 wipes across the brush gf on the binding-post g3 until the plate CA1 is passed and the brush extentie between the plates Cf* C5, whereby the circuit is again broken, the motor caused tostop, and the spring-arm i' permitted to spring to its normal position.

Sr is a flue leading from a hot-air furnace lV. G is a flue leading from a cool-air supply W and G2 is an ail-pipe extending to the chamber in which the thermostatA is located. Vhere the fines G Gr' join the air-pipe (-,larc dampers G3 Gf* upon a common stem li, connected to the shaft C3. The damper tl controls the Ilow of hot air from the flue G tothe pipe G2, and the damper G4 controls the iiow of cold air from the flue G to the pipe G2, the dampers being at right angles to each other upon the stem G5, whereby when one is opened to its fullest extent the other is closed. When the heat-regulating mechanism is causedto operate, as described, under the rise of heat in the chamber, the frame O and damperstem G5 are turned, as described, which is in the direction of partly opening the cold-air damper and of partly closing the hot-air damper. l

If the temperature in the chamber continues to rise, the needle is turned to the contact g4 and makes circuit through the brush vgil-on the binding-post g, which. then contacts with the end of the contact-plate C4. The current passes through and actuates the motor, as before described, until the frame O is turned, and the brush g5 on the binding-post g4 extends between the contact-plates O4 C5. This further turning of the frame C and damperstem produces entire closure of the hot-air damper, and the opening of the cold-air damper to its fullest extent.

As temperature falls in the chamber when the needle is at the contact g4 and the parts are in the position last described, the needle turns to ,the contact g3', whereby the current passes through o3 to n3 and the binding-post g3, the brush g5 of which is then at the contact-plate C5, in the same position with rela` tion to the plate C5as the brush of the bindingpost g. (Illustrated in the drawings.) The passage ofthe current from the binding-post g3 is through the plate C5, causingthemagnet F to be energized, attract the armature h2 and disconnect the contact h from the contact-projection 7c. The current thus passes to the binding-post Z2 and through the wire Z3 to the brush D3, thence through the armature and brush D4, through the wire m5, binding-post m2, spring t', contact lr, and wire k to the motor-held, and thence top2 and generator. This passage of the current causes the motorarmature and its shaft D to be revolved in the direction contrary to that hitherto described, whereby the shaftE and worm E rotate to turn the frame C until the brush g5 on the binding-post g3 extends between the plates C4 C5, when the circuit will be broken and the motorstopped. Furtherreductionoftheheat in the chamber will cause the thermostatic needle to swing to the contacts q2 and q', and it the temperature falls much below normal to the contact q. The successive movements of the needle will direct the current by successive stages through the brushes of the binding-post g2 g g and produce in each stage opening movement of the hot-air damper and closing of the cold-air damper.

While I prefer to provide the thermostat with five contacts and the valve or damperturning mechanism, as described, whereby the dampers may each be turned to the positions of being closed, half-opened, and fully opened, only three contacts at the thermostat, and valve-turning mechanism to correspond may be provided, if desired,toturn the dampers tothe positions of being fully closed and fully opened Without intermediate position; or, it desired, additional thermostatic contacta with valve-turning mechanism having shorter contactplates and additional binding-posts and brushes g5, connected with the thermostat, may be provided to increase the number of positions to which the dainpers may be turned.

In an air-heating system of the class mentioned separate damper-turning mechanism B will be provided at each damper and connected by wires x y y y2 ys if with a thermostat A in the chamber to which the respective pipe G2 leads. The damper-turning mechanism may be housed in a dust-excluding case, and all the parts being of aconstruction to insure durability, the device will require no attention and will at all times be quick and positive in its action. A thermostat constructed as described is particularly sensitive and quick to operate under slight variation of temperature. The tension of' the spring r3 may be regulated by means of a thumb-screw rs to increase or diminish the strain on the thermostat, and it operates as a counterbalance or retractingvspring 'for the latter. While the spring insures smooth working of the thermostat, it tends to hold it and the needle more securely in adjusted position.

The relative expansion of zinc and steel being about three to one and the zinc strip s, due to the convolutions, being about three times as long as the steel strip s', the expansion of the zinc strip is about nine to one with relation to the steel strip, giving a decided movement to the vibrating end of the arm under very slight temperature variations. Thus, with the ditferentialmovement between the short arm and long arm of the needle, the long arm may be caused to move from one contact to another under the variation of less than one degree of temperature, the contacts being large enough to present the desired extent of surface and far enough apart for proper insulation.

I prefer to construct my improvement in all its parts as shown and described. It may, however, 'be modified in the matter of details of construction Without departing from the spirit of myinventiomasdetined by the claims.

What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is- A l. In an electric temperature-controlling device, a thermostat, fastened at one end to vibrate at its opposite end, and formed ot' two parallel extending differentially expanding sections, fastened together, one section being convoluted, substantially as described.

2. In an electric temperature-controlling device, the combination, with the valve or damper-shaft of the heater tobe controlled electric circuit and source of electric energy,

vof a thermostatic device having contacts, an

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electric motor, and an electro-magnet contact-device geared to the motor-shaft, and having reversing electric connections with the motor, all said parts being in normally open generator circuits, controlled by said magnet device, whereby movement of the thermostat from one of its contacts to another closes one of said normally open circuits, to actuate the motor to turn the valve or dampershaft, substantially as described.

3. In an electric temperature-controlling device, the combination, with the valve or damper-shat`t ot the heater to be controlled, electric circuit and source of electric energy, of a tbermostatic device having three or more thermostatic contacts, an electric-motor in circuit with the thermostat, and a movable electro-magnetic contact device connected with thevalve or damper-shaft and geared to the motor'shaft, carrying two contact-plates each in a separate normally-open generator circuit with one pole of the motor, an electromagnet between each contact-plate and the motor, the magnets separately controlling the circuits to shunt the current through either said contact-plates and the motor, and terminals in the path ot' the said contact-plates separately in circuit with the thermostatic contacts, substantially as and. for the purpose set forth.

4. In an electric temperature controlling device, the combination, with the valve or damper-shaft of the heater to be controlled, of a thermostatic device having a thermostat iu a normally open generator circuit, a coutact in position to be engaged by the thermostat at a predetermined normal temperature, and high temperature and low temperature thermostatic contacts on opposite sides thereof, an electric motor, and a movable electromagnetic contact-device, connected with the valve or damper-shaft and geared to the motor-shaft, provided with two contact-plates insulated from each other and two electro-magnets each of which, with one of the said contact-plates and one ot' the poles of the motor, is in a separate normally open circuit controlled by the respective electro-magnet, and brush-terminals connected respectively with the respective thermostatic contacts and eX- tending in the path of said contact-plates, in position to be engaged, only one at a time, by said plates respectively, the parts 'being so arranged that movement ot the thermostat from one to another of the thermostatic contacts, closes the normally open circuit through the contact with which it engages, the brushterminal of said contact, one said contactplate and one pole of the motor to energize .the respective electro-magnet to shunt the generator current through the respective motor pole and thereby actuate the motor to turn the electromagnetic contact-device and through the latter to turn the valve or damper, substantially as described.

5. In an electric temperature-controlling device, the combination, with a thermostatic device having three or more thermostatic contacts, of valve or damper-turning mechanism comprising a base, au electric motor on the base in circuit with the thermostana swing ing damper-turning lever pivotally mounted on the base having a segmental rack geared to the motor and carrying' contact-plates, insulated from each other and connected rcspectively in circuit with the opposite poles of the motor, electro -vmaguets between the contact-plates and motor having circuit making and breaking armatures, brushes on the base located at intervals in the path ot' said contact-plates a distance apart slightly exceeding the lengths of said plates and in circuit with the respective thermostatic contacts, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

6. In an electric temperature-controlling device, the combination of a thermostatic device having thermostatic contacts q q q q" and g4, and valve or damper-turning mechanism comprising a base, an electric motor on the base in circuit with the thermostat, an electro-magnet contacbdcvice comprising a lever pivotally mounted on the base and connected With the valve or damper and having a segmental rack geared to the motor-shaft, binding-postent.2 Z2 in circuit with opposite poles ot' the motor, a contact-plate (l4 in circuit through an electro-magnet F with the binding post m2, a contact plate C5 in circuit with the binding post Z2 through a magnet F', a spring i normally engaging a contact-projection, k, and carrying the armature of the magnet F, a spring h on the terminal Z2 also normally engaging the contact 7c and provided between its ends with the armature of the magnet F', the Contact 7c being in circuit with the motor field and terminals g g g2 g3 g, each in circuit with one of the thermostaticcontacts and carrying a brush in the path of the contact-plates CL C5, the whole being constructed and arranged to operate substantially as and for 'the purpose set forth.

SVEN A. EKEHORN.

In presence ot- M. J. FRostr, W. U. WILLIAMS. 

